The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry announces the start of public consultation with all stakeholders, authorities and the public on the content of the Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic, through Notification of the Maritime Spatial Planning Committee in the Official Gazette of the Republic March 22. The public consultation will last 60 days, until May 31, 2022. The Marine Spatial Plan is posted in the Greek version of the website of the Ministry of Shipping, at www.shipping.gov.cy.

The Marine Spatial Plan determines the spatio-temporal distribution of relevant current and future activities and uses in the marine waters of the Republic. The aim of the Plan is to contribute to the support and promotion of sustainable development at sea, applying an ecosystem approach and taking into account the economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects, as well as promoting the coexistence of relevant activities and uses.

The draft Marine Spatial Plan takes into account the key priorities, objectives and strategic directions for the marine waters of the Republic, as set out in the Marine Spatial Planning Policy Statement adopted by the Council of Ministers on 21 December 20.

In the framework of the aforementioned public consultation, the Shipping Deputy Ministry organizes information and consultation meetings with the public, in all provinces, as follows:

-Lemesos, Monday 11 April 2022 – ‘Panos Solomonidis’ Hall

-Nicosia, Tuesday 12 April 2022 – Multipurpose hall Min. Finance

-Famagusta, Wednesday 13 April 2022 – Museum of the Sea, Ayia Napa

-Paphos, Thursday 14 April 2022 – Cultural Center “Attikon”

-Larnaca, Tuesday 19 April 2022 – House of Letters and Arts, Larnaca

All meetings start at 18:00 and all relevant health protocols will be followed. In addition, interested parties who wish to submit opinions and suggestions can do so through the Greek version of the online communication platform of the Shipping Deputy Ministry www.comeshipping.com.cy.